Keep safe in off-season

IF YOU’RE keen to continue visiting the beach during the cooler months, be aware you may not have the eyes of our “red and yellow caps” watching over you.

Volunteer surf lifesavers from across the Valley officially ended their patrol season on Tuesday.

Mike Harvey from Yamba Surf Life Saving Club said the club’s 115 active members had a great – and safe – season, with one main disappointment.

“The season low was the February fire in the storage sheds under the clubhouse which destroyed three IRBs (rubber ducks) and their motors, competition and training boards and skis, surf rescue and other vital club equipment,” he said.

“The damage and loss bill was covered by insurance, and replacement of equipment continues with the recovery assisted by generous donations of money and equipment from individual and corporate supporters, and surf clubs from Sydney to Noosa Heads.”

On the upside, however, Mr Harvey said the club’s patrols ensured the proud record of no lives lost during patrol hours since 1908 was maintained.

He said the club was also happy with its record 200-plus nippers registered for the season and taking part in carnivals at local and state level.

A team of 43 Yamba nippers took six gold, six silver and three bronze medals in individual events, and eight gold and eight silver relay medals at the Far North Coast branch titles at Evans Head in February.